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King’s Books uses
the guidelines below as proposed by the AB Bookman’s Weekly. Published
in 1949, it has since been widely adopted as the industry standard for
grading rare and collectible books. We endeavor to be conservative in
our description of the condition of our books. We encourage any
questions about our books with an in-hand description if you are in any
doubt as to the condition.
AS NEW: To be used only when the book is in the same immaculate condition in which it was published. There can be no defects, no missing pages, no library stamps, etc. The dustjacket (if it was issued with one) must be perfect, without any edge wear or tears. (The term 'As New' is preferred over the alternative term 'Mint' to describe a copy that is perfect in every respect, including jacket.)
FINE: Approaches the condition of As New, but without being crisp.
For the use of the term Fine there must also be no defects, etc., and
if the jacket has a small tear, or other defect, or looks worn, this
should be noted.
VERY GOOD: Can describe a used book that does show some small signs of
wear – but no tears – on either binding or paper. Any defects must be
noted.
GOOD:
Describes the average used and worn book that has all pages or leaves
present. Any defects must be noted.
Tacoma, Washington 98402
253.272.8801
8770529.9525 toll free
books@kingsbookstore.com
Store Hours
Mon. - Sat. 10am - 7pm
Sun. 10am - 6pm
FAIR: A worn
book that has complete text pages (including those with maps or plates)
but may lack endpapers, half-title, etc. (which must be noted).
Binding, jacket (if any), etc. may also be worn. All defects must be
noted.
POOR:
Describes a book that is sufficiently worn that its only merit is as a
Reading Copy because it does have the complete text (which must be
legible). Any missing maps or plates should still be noted. This copy
may be soiled, scuffed, stained or spotted and may have loose joints,
hinges, pages, etc.
EX-LIBRARY:
Copies must always be designated as such, no matter what the condition
of the book.
BOOK CLUB: Editions must always be noted
as such, no matter what the condition of the book.
BINDING COPY: Describes a book in which the
pages or leaves are perfect but the binding is very bad, loose, off, or
nonexistent.
DUSTJACKET:
In all cases, the lack of a dustjacket should be noted if the book was
issued with one.